Rabid Raccoon Found Feb. 8 In The Keyes Farm Community

ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY, MD — A rabid raccoon was discovered in the Keyes Farm Community of Annapolis recently. The Anne Arundel County Department of Health is seeking anyone who may have come in contact with the raccoon near the intersection of Bay Ridge Road and Magnolia Ridge Road. The raccoon was found Feb. 8.

If anyone or a pet had contact with a raccoon, or a pet has unexplained wounds, Anne Arundel County Department of Health officials ask that you call them at 410-222-7256 Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. or 443-481-3140 after business hours.

Rabies is spread by the bite or scratch of an infected animal, such as a groundhog, cat, fox, raccoon or bat. It is also spread when an infected animal’s saliva comes in contact with the eyes, nose, mouth or open cut of a person or another animal.

Preventive treatment might be required for anyone who handled, fed or was attacked by the raccoon. Rabies is a fatal disease and preventive treatment in the form of injections must be started as soon as possible. The county health department advises county residents not to feed wild or stray animals or leave food dishes outside. Pet owners should also keep their animals’ rabies vaccinations current.